Men's Golf

O’Keefe & Smith Promoted To New Titles

Sep 13, 2016

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Augusta University Director of Athletics Clint Bryant announced on Tuesday that head men's golf coach Jack O'Keefe has been named the Director of Golf and assistant softball coach Evan Smith is now the associate head coach.

"Both Jack and Evan have proven to be tremendous assets to our department and local communities," Bryant said. "These promotions were both warranted and well deserved."

Jack O'Keefe came to Augusta in 2013 and in just three seasons at the helm of the men's golf team, he returned the Jaguars to the national rankings. O'Keefe enters his fourth season in Augusta and was named head men's golf coach at Augusta University Dec. 2, 2013 during a press conference at the J. Fleming Norvell Golf House.

Last season, O'Keefe was inducted into the 2016 Arkansas Golf of Fame. The Arkansas State Golf Association (ASGA) announced the honor on Feb. 1, 2016.

In his third season with the Jags in 2015-16, Augusta earned a No. 29 national ranking. The team finished top 10 in all 13 events on the season and missed a trip to the NCAA Championship by two strokes. The team won the NC State Wolfpack and the MEAC Championship to earn their 20th bid to the NCAA Regional.

Evan Smithis entering his seventh year as the assistant coach for the Jaguar softball program. Smith managed the middle infield as a player for the Augusta Jaguars baseball team from 2006-2010 and he remained on the diamond as head coach Melissa Brocato's top assistant.

The Jaguar alumnus and now associate head coach has helped the Diamond Jags to three NCAA Southeast Regional appearances and helped produce two All-Americans. In 2015, Smith helped guide four players to Peach Belt All-Conference honors.

A graduate of Augusta State in December 2010, Smith earned his master's degree in kinesiology from Augusta State in 2012. On July 1, 2013 Smith was named a full-time employee to Augusta University Athletics after serving in a part-time role.